According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one in six women and one in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. The CDC also reports that more than one in three women has experienced some form of contact sexual violence during their lifetime.
It is important to remember that not all incidents of sexual assault will be reported to law enforcement. However, statistics show that college-age females are at increased risk for sexual assault.
This article will explain what sexual assault is and what to do.
What’s Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault refers to any form of behavior or sexual contact that happens without the receipients consent. Sexual assault activities involve forced sexual intercourse, sexual messages, forcible sodomy, unconsented fondling, attempted rape, incest, child molestation, and more.
Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity. It includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation, and sexual harassment or threats. It also includes using force or taking advantage of someone unable to give consent or stop what’s going on (e.g., when a person is drunk, drugged, or in a state of shock).
These experiences can be intensely traumatic for victims/survivors and their loved ones. As a result, sexual assault charges are severe and can ruin the life of an innocent person. If you have been accused of sexual assault, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled attorney from a reputable Seattle sexual assault defense law firm right away.
Here’s how a sexual assault defense attorney can help you;
- Defend You in Court: You are innocent until proven guilty, but you will need to prove your innocence by providing evidence that supports your claim. Your attorney will be able to do this for you by presenting compelling information during your court hearing. While the prosecutor must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, your attorney can create reasonable doubt regarding the evidence presented by the prosecutor’s office. This can result in reduced penalties or even a not guilty verdict if the evidence is strong enough.
- Negotiate Plea Bargains: If the evidence against you is strong, your attorney may negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor’s office on your behalf to reduce the charges against you and/or reduce the penalties you face if found guilty. For example, if you were initially charged with sexual assault, a plea bargain may reduce these charges to sexual battery or harassment, which carries lesser penalties.
- Explain your rights: The good thing about hiring an attorney is the fact that they know what they are doing. They have received training in law school and have been practicing for many years. They will explain your rights and help you understand the court system. They will also know how to get the best deal possible for you in court, should it come down to that.
- Extensive understanding of the law: sexual assault defense attorneys are familiar with the laws in your state. Some states have very strict laws when it comes to certain crimes like these. An attorney who has some experience with these types of cases can help you better than someone who does not have any experience at all.
Finally, if you have been charged with sexual assault, make sure you hire a sexual assault defense attorney. That’s because they have what it takes to defend you in court if it comes down to that. Hiring an experienced lawyer means that they will present a strong case for you and prove your innocence.
